Fire safety for customers living in blocks

Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower we want to reassure our customers that we are committed to making sure your homes are safe and secure and that fire safety is our priority.

As a result of the Grenfell Tower fire – we’ve taken some actions and are planning some further work:

• We’ve reviewed the Fire Risk Assessments on all of our tower blocks (buildings over seven storeys) to make sure they’re up to date. We work closely with the fire authorities to ensure that all necessary fire risk actions are undertaken.

• We’re getting in touch with all our customers to make sure you’re aware of relevant fire safety advice.

• We are checking to see if any of our tower blocks have cladding that is the same type as the cladding at Grenfell Tower.

• Checking smoke alarms in tower blocks: over the next few weeks we’ll be visiting all our customers in tower blocks to make sure you have a working smoke alarm and installing or repairing smoke detectors, as required free of charge.

• We are offering free smoke alarms and free installation to all our customers regardless of where you live. To find out more contact us.

Fire Safety: help keep your household safe

Every property has its own fire safety advice so make sure you know what the recommended advice is for you where you live. Please check the notice boards and contact us if you are unsure about what to do in the event of a fire.

The following is an extract of the general advice from the fire brigade if you live in a purpose built flat.

Escape route:

• Have an escape plan, which you practice and make sure all members of your household know what it is

• The best route is normally the way in and out but have a “Plan B” in case it is blocked

• Keep communal areas and balconies clear so that they don’t block your escape and cause a fire risk

• Always keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

If your flat is affected by fire or smoke and your escape route is clear:

• Get everyone out, close the door and leave calmly

• Don’t use the lift

• Call 999, give them your address details and let them know which floor the fire is on.

If your escape route is not clear:

• It may be safer to stay in your home until the Fire Brigade arrives

• Find a safe room, close the door and block any gaps with soft materials to stop the smoke

• Go to a window and shout “HELP FIRE” and call 999

• Be ready to explain where you are and the quickest way to reach you.

Check the posters on your noticeboard to find out about your local fire safety advice. If you have a ‘stay put’ policy, this will be made clear in the advice, and this is what the fire brigade suggest:

If there is a fire in another part of the building:

• Your home should give you some protection from fire – walls, floors and doors can hold back flames and smoke for 30 to 60 minutes

• You are usually safer staying in your home, call 999, tell the Fire Brigade where you are and the best way to reach you

• If you are in the communal parts of the building leave and call 999

• However if you feel unsure, unsafe, can see flames or smell smoke then leave your flat and exit the building.

And don’t forget

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it regularly. We can provide and fit a smoke alarm for all of our customers in any home free of charge. Contact us to find out more.

Tenants are responsible for maintaining any electrical items that are brought into the home. Unless products are registered, it is very difficult to track them down. However, you can find out about all the latest product recalls on the Electrical Safety First website.

Register electrical appliances

Supported by the government, AMDEA (Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances) recommends that the public use the Register my appliance web portal. This was designed by the industry to make the task of registering quicker and easier, allowing the registration of over 60 brands, of both new and older appliances. By simply clicking on the brand logo for your appliance you get to a data entry form linked directly to the relevant manufacturer, where the vast majority accept registrations of products up to 12 years old.